Natural resources and energy
Eastern Mediterranean: too small of a bathtub for two swimmers
While the two protagonists Greece and Turkey are currently in dispute over economic rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, other stakeholders within the region continue to complicate their strained relationship. As this issue develops, wider implications emerge well beyond the region, creating both opportunities and hazards
Greece and Turkey: Energy Security Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean
Overlapping maritime claims and strategic energy interests have resulted in a clash between Greek and Turkish naval ships in the waters of Cyprus, mutual public hostilities. The high tensions and decades of antagonism between the two, however, are unlikely to result in open warfare. The recently discovered Eastern Mediterranean gas and oil fields, have inspired a powerful energy alliance between Greece, Cyprus and Israel, which challenges Turkey’s energy hub ambitions.
Geopolitics and the Energy Transition: Competition or Cooperation?
Energy transitions have always represented watershed historical moments with profound and far-reaching geopolitical ramifications. Similarly, the climate change propelled shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, is likely to have transformative effects on the geopolitical landscape of the twenty-first century.
Will Further Sanctions Stop the Nord Stream 2 Gas Pipeline?
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline through the Baltic Sea is intended to transport natural gas from Russia to Europe, mainly to Germany. There are only 150 kilometers (93 miles) before the Baltic Sea pipeline is completed. Despite warnings from German politicians to impose further sanctions following a suspected poison attack on a Russian opposition figure, it is unclear whether construction works will come to a full stop.
Revolution or Regression: The Future US Energy Sector
For the first time in U.S. history, renewable energies briefly generated more electricity than coal in April, 2019. Renewable energy potential merits review of trends and evolving dynamics in a dramatically changing U.S. energy sector.
South Africa’s Energy Conundrum
South Africa is facing an energy crisis. However, it presents a clear opportunity to expand into the alternative energy sector.
Russia is gradually developing its Arctic LNG strategy
Due to its geographic location, natural resource extraction in the Arctic circle is strategically important for Russia’s overall energy strategy. At the same time, Russia is gradually shifting away from the traditional state-controlled gas trade through pipelines and is increasing its LNG production.
An unlikely partnership in New Zealand leads the way on biosecurity
Biosecurity New Zealand and Onions New Zealand have begun to work together to ensure that they are prepared for biological threats – a partnership that could serve as an example for other countries.
Climate Change: Heating up Arctic competition
Melting sea ice is revitalizing the Arctic’s geopolitical importance. Russia is proactively developing the area with the help of the Chinese government and has more bases than any other nation. Western states are looking to respond and economic competition has already begun, further militarization is likely to follow suit.
The Energy Briefing: AMLO’s nationalist agenda clouds future for Mexico’s energy sector
Leftist candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s victory casts a shadow over the future of Mexico’s ongoing energy reform. Will the country’s new preident find the right balance between pragmatism and ideology?
